Reading · History with Hope

Celebrating a Centennial of Sisterhood at Radio City Music Hall, NYC. Photo by Me.

Seasons Greetings, History Lovers,

As a writer of historical fiction, words like “legacy,” “tradition,” and … ((wait for it)) … “iconic” reliably make my heart go pitter-patter. Last week’s visit to New York City’s iconic Radio City Music Hall for the Rockettes’ annual Christmas Spectacular ticked off those boxes. And then some.

First off, there’s the building. Opened in December 1932 at the height of the Great Depression,1 Radio City is a marvel of Art Deco architecture and interior design, stunning on any day of the year but particularly breathtaking when decked out for the winter holidays.

The Grand Foyer at Radio City Music Hall. Photo by Me.

Then there’s the vibe. Counter to the pushing, shoving, and rushing around that too often characterizes midtown Manhattan, especially during the holidays, everyone we encountered at Radio City seemed pretty chill, just genuinely happy to be there. Glowing, even. Swapping picture taking with other attendees saved us from the sad “floating heads” selfies I usually manage on my own.

Pro tip: plan to arrive in plenty of time to stroll the iconic venue, preferably while sipping holiday themed cocktails/mocktails. Seen here, my husband is enjoying the Kickin’ Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita; for me, the Christmas in Manhattan. Before going in search of our seats, we checked out the Century of Style exhibit, which displays iconic Rockette costumes from the 1940s to the 2020s. S-t-u-n-n-i-n-g.

The 1940 costume is a fun take on a World War II sailor suit - with sparkles - though the U.S. wouldn’t officially enter the war for another year. Not sure how the dancers executed their famously high kicks in an ankle-length pleated column skirt, but I have no doubt they pulled it off to perfection.

Before we knew it, it was show time. We settled into our orchestra seats in the 5,960-seat Music Hall and prepared to be wowed. And wowed we were. A short documentary film featuring interviews with current and past Rockettes from various eras prefaced the 90-minute live program. Then it was curtain time, with a delightfully authentic Santa Claus opening as de facto emcee. Photos and video are prohibited during the performance, so you’ll have to trust me: the intricate sets, splashy costumes, and high-tech effects, including drones as “fairies,” were ah-maz-ing, transporting us to a Christmas themed wonderland.

But above all, it was the dancers we couldn’t take our eyes off. The choreographed high kicks, intricate tap routines, and synchronized precision moves were nothing short of jaw dropping.2 My favorite routine was “Parade of Wooden Soldiers,” part of the program since its 1933 debut. Another program staple, “New York at Christmas,” features a real double-decker bus!

The Rockettes started in St. Louis, Missouri in 1925 as the Missouri Rockets, a sixteen-member precision dance company inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway. A nationwide tour brought the troupe to New York City and Radio City, then the world’s largest indoor theater. In 1933, the Christmas Spectacular debuted and the troupe, expanded to 36 members, became known as the Rockettes.

As the stars of the annual Christmas Spectacular, the Rockettes perform for more than one million people each holiday season. But their reach extends beyond Radio City’s limestone clad exterior. During World War II, they were among the first performers to volunteer with the United Service Organizations (USO) entertaining troops deployed overseas. In 1957, they made their debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade where they have performed every year since. In the late 1970s, they led the charge to save Radio City Music Hall from the wrecking ball.

Not ready to leave Radio City, and The Rockettes, just yet? Check out my writer pal, Fiona Davis’s wonderful novel, The Spectacular, set in the mid-1950s and told from the point of view of a fictional Rockette.

Further to historical novels, there’s still time to win a copy of The Versailles Formula by Nancy Bilyeau. To enter, sign up for this History With Hope newsletter and/or my monthly author newsletter. The giveaway closes December 31st after which I’ll randomly select one winner from among the pool of current and new subscribers (U.S. residents only), so if you’re not already subscribed, you can fix that here!

Subscribe to History With Hope

Subscribe to Hope's Author Newsletter

Books make great gifts! You can find IRISH EYES and STARDUST on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Target, Walmart and wherever books are sold.